I. COMPANY & ROLE’S INTRODUCTION: 

My client, an MNC in FMCG brand/manufacturing, is urgently looking for a Vietnamese #NATIONAL_R&D_HEAD who is extremely fluent in English & own excellent interpersonal + influencing + communication + proven leadership & stakeholder management, to join the team. 

The company, brand and this role will fulfil your everyday work in a meaningful & interesting way, as you’re a part of making the world better, by positively impacting millions of consumers and various communities. At the same time, as a key business partner of Southeast Asia R&D team, via leading innovations and your mentorship, you actively contribute in growing your team, product lines, brands & the whole business. 

II. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Be a product expert in Personal care (focus in Beauty), working with influencers to promote key product fundamentals. 

• Insights and Trends:  

Capture local market trends and insights to shape communication strategies and maximize technological impact (MTI). 

• Digital and Sustainability:  

Lead the digital agenda and sustainability initiatives in Vietnam, including implementing recyclable materials and promoting post-wash product categories. 

Serve as the primary R&D contact for all activities in Vietnam, ensuring the successful delivery of the R&D program in collaboration with regional and global teams. 

• Consumer Superiority Framework:  

Develop locally relevant claims for new innovations, ensuring consumer satisfaction. 

• Innovation and Growth: 

Work with the Country Category Business Team to identify growth opportunities and lead the creation of new local projects. 

• Innovation Roadmaps:  

Build and manage innovation and claims strategies for both global and local brands, collaborating with Country Category Business Team and R&D teams. 

• Efficiency and Delivery:  

Ensure on-time and efficient delivery of all R&D elements, fostering collaboration within the broader R&D organization. 

• Supply Chain and Manufacturing:  

Represent R&D in supply chain transformation and third-party manufacturing networks to design efficient systems. 

3. Leadership and Team Building:  

Develop the R&D team’s capabilities, ensuring alignment with company’s future-focused, purpose-led goals. 

III. REQUIREMENTS: 

• Minimum Degree in any field, preferably bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant science or technology field is preferred 

• Highly fluent English, comfortably discussing with regional head for Vietnam’s strategies 

• Background in FMCG or international working experience are a plus.  

• (*) Welcome Vietnamese candidates from all industries (such as R&D of FMCG F&B, Pharmaceutical, etc...) as well as owning professional mindset + excellent influencing + interpersonal skills + enthusiasm for personal care products (with strong focus in beauty and wellbeing lines) 

• Proven experience in leading projects and teams with a track record of delivering results quickly and to a high standard 

• Strong leadership, business acumen, and influencing skills, with broad R&D experience across global and local levels. Strong collaboration and cross-functional teamwork are essential 

• Willingness to travel occasionally for business needs 

• Skills in digital and data are important 

IV. OTHER INFORMATION: 

• International working environment 

• Lead 5 staff (technical expert) ++ 

• Shortlisted candidates will join online interview with regional team (at least 3 rounds) 

• Expected on-board time: ASAP